More Than Shipmates
A steamy romantic comedy set on a cruise ship.
by Philippa Young
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Pub Date Jun 01 2023 | Archive Date Jul 19 2023
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Description
Eliza Chapman has never been good enough.
Not to get into drama school, not to hold down a boyfriend, not even to be her insufferable brother’s PA.
But that’s about to change.
Eliza’s enrolled as an entertainment host on a six-month Caribbean cruise, where the motto is “work hard, play hard”. Determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past by mixing work with romance, she swears herself off men completely.
However, when the lines between colleagues and crushes blur and the nightlife puts her in some scandalous situations, Eliza’s efforts to resist temptation are challenged by cheeky American Tom and charming Brit Oscar, who might not be so willing to resist her.
More Than Shipmates is a tension-fuelled, multi-pov, steamy romantic comedy about fresh starts and learning to let love in.
A Note From the Publisher
For content warnings, please check my website: www.philippayoungauthor.com
Advance Praise
I read this book in a day, which talks for itself!
I’ve never read a book with this sort of setting, I loved the concept of it being on a cruise ship because it meant… FORCED PROXIMITY!
Now, I’ve not read many love triangles and ones i have read before disappointed me, but this did not disappoint! Philippa had me rooting for both guys at different points, but I’m glad with who Eliza ended up with in the end. I loved seeing all 3 of their POVs it made me connect to them more and we got to delve deeper into each character’s backstory. I liked and enjoyed all 3 of the main characters, which is rare!
The writing style made me wanting more, I only put the book down when I had to go to work, but I’ll tell you now as soon as I finished I picked it straight back up lol.
It’s a great rom-com which I’d recommend to everyone, like who doesn’t like a nice, cute read, with not 1 but 2 amazing mmcs???
***
This is the first book I’ve ever read set on a cruise ship and holy damn, I think I’ve unlocked a new favourite contemporary romance setting!
I ate this book up basically in one sitting. Could not put it down. I am usually a Romantasy girl but this contemporary romance had me SHOOK.
Firstly, this book sets up a soft love triangle situation which I am normally not a fan of however the way the author has written and portrayed the characters and their interactions around this just totally hooked me and didn’t turn me off it at all. I was gripping my kindle waiting to see how it would turn out… I mean, I had my favourite and I was truly desperate to see if she would choose them in the end!
The writing style was crafted in a way that you just kept digging for more. This book had me laughing out loud, sighing and rolling my eyes in frustration at the FMC and continually messaging my friend who has also read the story.
This is a fantastic debut novel, and I will absolutely be purchasing the physical copy when available and reading whatever else this author comes out with!!
***
I was not expecting it to be that spicy! I will also like to applaud Philippa for the British Slang and expressions in this book because I never get to see that in books that I’m reading and I loved it and it made me laugh. I was rooting for the guy she ended up with and I thought the ending was beautiful. Honestly the whole book reminded me of the show below deck which I love so if you like that too you’ll definitely like this!
***
I really loved this story - I’m not normally into love triangles but this one had me hooked trying to work out how the relationships would turn out. I really loved reading POV’s from all 3 characters involved to get insight into their thoughts and feelings.
I loved the setting of this book, I haven’t read any books based on a ship before so I loved that dynamic and ESPECIALLY the games they would play. Holy moly the games were hot.
***
This is an incredible debut and I'm so impressed with the depth she's given to both the main and the supporting characters; I connected with each of them right away and loved the 3 way POV. The descriptions of the cruise ship and its destinations were beautiful as well!
The book itself is longer than most romances which I loved! This was very much a story of personal growth for Eliza, Tom and Harvey alongside their interconnected romantic pursuits. The 🔥 gave perfect 'good girl' vibes and the characters were inclusive and varied (queer friendly). Ultimately I couldn't put it down and am absolutely blown away!
***
hello I am here to claim the top spot of Philippa Young fan club before anybody else does because I LOVED this book!!!!
Now I’m not usually one for a love triangle but please don’t let that put you off! for a debut novel this was so wonderful! the characters all had so much depth and I feel as though I really got to know them all so well. I loved both of the boys so much that I didn’t even know who I wanted Eliza to end up with but by the end I did have a slight fave and I’m so happy with how it ended! (the name badge scene- I was internally screaming and crying!!!!)
This book was fun, spicy, silly and romantic and I cannot wait for the next one!
***
Honestly, I never thought I'd like a book with a love triangle trope this much and I'm so happy that I said yes to reading this book!
Every scene in this book was so clear in my mind, it was like I was on that cruise and seeing all of it in front of me. Tom, Eliza and Oscar deserve all the love. I thought I'd end up hating one of the characters, BUT NO, you can't hate any character in this book. I'm in love with all of them, the setting, the plot, the funny scenes, the spicy scene, all of them. The book is so so beautiful, and Philippa is such an amazing author, she writes so well, and made me fall in love with her writing instantly.
More Than Shipmates exceeded my expectation, and it's one of the nicest books I've read this year. It had me laughing, crying, smiling, giggling, screaming. The character development, the plot development, all of it was so nice!
My dictionaire is failing right now, and I literally have no idea what to say more, just that I love it, I love it so much! A really good balance of spice which had me screaming, blushing and rolling.Thank you author for giving me Tom, Eliza and Oscar and such an amazing book❤️
This book consists of a good and unique plot. Have you ever read a really really good book which is set on a cruise? I totally recommend "More Than Shipmates". It's really worth it❤️
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1081089
Stepping onto a Caribbean cruise ship for the first time, Eliza is filled with trepidation. After another failed application to drama school, she's set her sights on adventure and is locked into 6 months as an entertainment host!
On her first day she meets Tom, an American comedian and fellow newbie, and then unexpectedly she meets Harvey, a tall, blonde Brit... naked in her cabin! She's sworn herself off of men whilst on board, but as their connections grow will she be able to resist their charms?
Author @philippayoungauthor reached out to provide me with this ARC and I'm SO glad that she did. This is an incredible debut and I'm so impressed with the depth she's given to both the main and the supporting characters; I connected with each of them right away and loved the 3 way POV. The descriptions of the cruise ship and its destinations were beautiful as well!
The book itself is longer than most romances which I loved! This was very much a story of personal growth for Eliza, Tom and Harvey alongside their interconnected romantic pursuits. The 🔥 gave perfect 'good girl' vibes and the characters were inclusive and varied (queer friendly). Ultimately I couldn't put it down and am absolutely blown away!
This book will publish on June 1st and I highly recommend you pre-order a copy ❤
May P, Reviewer
Eliza enrolled as an entertainment on a cruise... She vows not to mix work with romance but she is attracted to American Tom and Brit Oscar....
A terrific love triangle. All the characters are interesting and fun. I enjoy the different POVs. Love the fun British words especially A light-hearted funny romantic story.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
Nicole M, Reviewer
What a fun and wild ride aboard a cruise ship! I love the concept: how is it to work and live on a cruise ship? You're trapped with people that you have to live and work with, and you can't communicate with your family or friends. Cell service is spotty at best, and you pretty much stay on the ship at all times.
I usually don't like books with love triangles, but this book changed my mind! I was rooting for both men. Tom and Oscar would have been good matches for Eliza. I think that the other crew members were so much fun too. The games that they played to pass the time on the cruise ship added so much to the story. The characters were having such a good time, and I wanted to join them on the cruise too!
I also liked that they were all good at their jobs. Sometimes, in a workplace romance, there's one character who can't figure out how to do their jobs properly, but that didn't happen in this book. I also enjoyed all of the songs that were featured in the book, especially the Broadway musical showtunes. I listened to the Spotify playlist that was included, and it made me feel like I was immersed in the story.
Don't let the cover fool you- this is a steamy story! I loved it! I would definitely recommend this book. It will be a great way to escape on a cruise vacation without leaving your own living room. What a great way to start the summer! Get it on June 1!
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC of this book.
Whitni H, Reviewer
Eliza Chapman leaves her failure in London to hop aboard a cruise ship and pursue other career options. One of the first rules of this endeavor? No men. That rule is completely marked out as soon as she encounters Tom and Oscar.
This book is full of romance, navigating the failures of life, and finding yourself again. I found myself laughing out loud while reading each page.
I had never read a book centered around life on a cruise ship before (well, besides something about the Titanic, and we all know how that went…). I absolutely loved this book, and I recommend that every lover of romance check it out.
Be on the lookout for this one to release on June 1st! You’ll find me in the preorder line!
I would also like to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Rachel S, Reviewer
More Than Shipmates follows Eliza as she struggles with past rejections and breakups while trying to find her place on board a cruise ship in the Entertainment department.
I loved this book, its unique setting, and the many fantastic characters. Eliza, Tom and Oscar are all entertaining and sexy, and while love triangles aren't usually my trope of choice, I felt like it was perfect in this book! The love triangle is written well, and it felt like it developed and ended naturally.
Having recently been on a cruise, I found this book super relatable! I laughed at the end author's note - "I take no responsibility if you uproot your life and don't fall madly in love." I loved this, mostly because the book honestly does make you feel like you should immediately quit your job and go and work on a cruise ship for half a year. Or at the very least, go and spend a good amount of time on holiday aboard one!
This was a fun read, packed full with laughs, entertainment and spice.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review More Than Shipmates!
Emily S, Reviewer
This book is such a delight! It’s a brilliant debut romcom with a big heart and is the perfect treat for the summer.
Eliza Chapman takes a job on a Caribbean cruise ship to escape the home she believes has nothing waiting for her. Failed relationships, friendships, and not being able to get into drama school give her the courage to try something new. Who knew it would be so fun?
Firstly, I really enjoyed the pace of the novel. It moved quickly enough without robbing us of the atmosphere of the cruise ship life. It didn’t ever become monotonous and was full of fun.
The characters were great. I like Eliza, Tom and Oscar very much and thought they were well rounded. The side characters were lovable and funny too!
Let’s give a special mention to the spice; this book is hot, hot, hot. As I said, the perfect summer read.
If you’re looking for something funny, well paced and with a big heart, look no further. This book is very enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
maren m, Reviewer
OH MY GOD, THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!
Think Below Deck reality but on a bigger and steamier scale - a cruise ship.
I love cruises so much, so when I saw this book was released, I had to pick it up ASAP on NetGalley. I have never read a book like this before, and it surprised me in every single way, the best way that is. I am not a fan of love triangles, but this one blew my mind. Don't be put off by the triangle, I mean, there is a Bermuda Triangle as well.
I love the forced proximity of the small cabins, workplace romances, and all the twists and turns Eliza took in making the right decision.
The games were such a fun addition, and it really reminded me of Devils Night by Penelope Douglas in a less problematic and more innocent way.
Mark my words, Phillipa Young is one to watch! The writing is so funny, easygoing, relatable, and flowing. I loved every single chapter!
Now pick it up and book that vacation I know you wanna go on.
Kori S, Reviewer
Excuse me folks, Philippa Young has entered the building and I am not letting her leave!
As we all know, I like to switch it up between Thrillers and RomComs and this book right here exceeded all of my expectations.
I fell in love over and over again.
More Than Shipmates is the PERFECT summer read and this book is going to have everyone buzzing .
I’m usually not a fan of books being turned into a movie or series because it can sometimes ruin the book or not live up to my expectations. However, I NEED to see More Than Shipmates get picked up for a series .
I fell in love with these characters!
If you’re looking for the perfect summer read, this book right here is for you.
Teaser:
Eliza Chapman has never been good enough.
Not to get into drama school, not to hold down a boyfriend, not even to be her insufferable brother’s PA.
But that’s about to change.
Eliza’s enrolled as an entertainment host on a six-month Caribbean cruise, where the motto is “work hard, play hard”. Determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past by mixing work with romance, she swears herself off men completely.
However, when the lines between colleagues and crushes blur and the nightlife puts her in some scandalous situations, Eliza’s efforts to resist temptation are challenged by cheeky American Tom and charming Brit Oscar, who might not be so willing to resist her.
More Than Shipmates is a tension-fuelled, steamy romantic comedy about fresh starts and learning to let love in.
Melissa G, Reviewer
ARC review: More Than Shipmates by @philippayoungauthor 🩵💛 - 4.5⭐️, 3🌶️
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Fave Quote: “If we were in a show and your voice gave out one night because it was tired from weeks of being pushed to its limits, I wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to turn up the next night. But ‘the show must go on’, as they say. I want the show to go on. And I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. I’ll make you hot honey and lemons, I’ll run extra warm-ups, I’ll rehearse with you, I’ll get them to change the key, I’ll sing all of your songs with you night after night until you’re confident again.” He wipes the happy tears from my cheeks with his thumb. “You’re the star of this show, Chapman and without you, there is no show. And before you say it, I refuse to work with an understudy.”
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This is a great debut novel by Philippa! It’s a lighthearted and hilarious contemporary romance of Eliza, escaping her unsatisfactory British life to work on a cruise ship, where she meets two men she’s drawn to! There’s fast and slow burn open door spice, wild sexual hijinx that was so funny to read! AND even though it’s a love triangle romance, it was written so well that you’re not pulling your hair out over it (also I’m proud of myself for picking the right boy 😎) This is a great book I’d recommend if you want a light summer/ vacation read!
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Tropes:
🩵 Love Triangle (Blonde v. Brunette MMC’s)
💛 Forced Proximity/ Co-Workers - Cruise Ship
🩵 Open Door Spice
💛 Triple POV
🩵 Rom Com
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Thank you NetGalley and Summer Stars Publishing Limited for an eARC of this book! This is my honest review!
Alexandria W, Reviewer
Eliza wanting to escape how her life is not going the way she would like it to. From multiple rejections to drama school, feeling like she fits in nowhere while lonely and single. She sets off to work on a cruise ship with a new perspective in mind. Little does she know that all her dreams will come true.
I love when books have playlists! First, the message at the beginning of the book had my laughing my ass off!😂 I definitely highlighted a lot of parts in this book.
Tom and Eliza’s friendship was beautiful to read about and I wish I could have watched their performance for the talent show.
The sexy party games turned up all the heat while reading this book.🔥🔥 I wanted to join in on the fun! Definitely gave me some ideas for party games. So many different times I laughed while reading this book.
Romantic comedies has always been my top favorite to read and this book was perfect to start the Summer break with! Finally finding out who had Eliza’s badge threw me for a loop! I also can’t wait to read the second book about Tom!
Thank you to NetGalley EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
Sharn G, Reviewer
‘More than Shipmates’ is a wonderful debut novel by Philippa Young
1. All romance novels have to have a romantic setting, and who would have thought that a cruise ship was worthy? It made me want to join the voyage as a crew member (and I have zero talent so immediately wouldn’t be accepted). Horny crewmen and heart throbs throughout, what isn’t to love?
2. The love triangle between Eliza, Tom and Oscar (Harvey) was incredible. You yearn to know more and constantly wonder what is going to happen next and who is Eliza’s love.
3. The spice 🌶️, there was just enough from teasing to specific fantasies.
4. The humour was top tier, although also remind me not to go on a minibus with Mrs Dove as I would not have reminded calm at all.
5. I am a sucker for a playlist, and this book comes with one full of musical theatre- again sign me up I want to join!
A must read. It isn’t just about the spice, there is a story of comradely and friendship throughout and you will really want to join a cruise ship while reading.
4.5 stars ⭐️
Thank you to Net Galley, Philippa Young and Summer Stars Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of More than Shipmates (published June 2023)
Savanna D, Reviewer
This was a very fun summery read! It was pretty fast paced and I liked how about half way through we got to see some POV swaps. Eliza Chapman was an interesting character to get to follow on this cruise ship and see all the adventures she got up to. All the Ship drama and love affairs were fun to follow along with. I also loved all the amazing side characters! We get a love triangle of sorts in this following Tom and Oscar Harvey and I really liked both of their characters as well. Yes this was a romance but it also felt like a self discovery for Eliza which was a nice addition. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one!
Samantha Z, Reviewer
This book was a solid 4 stars.
It was a fun, spicy, toe-curling romance with a love triangle that didn't bother me.
I literally read it in one day.
Most of the time I avoid books with love triangle trope because they tend to make me feel bad for one of the characters and I just can't finish them, but in this one, I picked my side almost at the start and it was so entertaining.
I am IN LOVE with Eliza of course, I always fall for the main character, and she was just so well-written that it seems like I was watching a movie in my head.
This romance is for you if you like a spicy and funny book with multiple POVs.
Amanda R, Reviewer
More Than Shipmates was such a fun, charming, sweet debut novel!
Love triangles, laughter, cruise ship banter and comradery and growth after failures is what this book is all about and I am here for it! Eliza believes she is a failure at everything. Cant get into drama school, is chosen over someone else in her boyfriends life, cant win for anything attitude that pushes her to start new somewhere where she knows no one and cant get away even if she wants to. It isn't until she starts doing her job as cruise ship entertainment that she starts to believe she can do more than just fail. In fact, she can thrive. The cruise ship life means she gets to help and be helped by the patrons of the ship and the employees and she loves it.
This was a cute, quick, romance that is perfect for a beach read and even more perfect for the cruise read.
Will recommend to everyone!
Thank you to Netgalley and Summer Stars Publishing for the ARC.
Elle W, Reviewer
This is a very cleverly written story including many different characters including a love triangle between the main three characters.
Also has three POV which I loved seeing the difference of opinions and understandings
One for the spice lovers 🌶
I love the setting of the story it has points that make you think and definitely make you gasp and also those points where you pray the author doesn't ruin your entire evening with the next chapter!
Kati J, Reviewer
Eliza wants a fresh start so she moves half way across the world to work on a cruise ship. She’s determined not to get romantically involved with anyone, so of course she finds two love interests on the ship.
I really liked this book! All the characters were great, the banter was spot on, learning about life on a cruise ship was fun and the spice was 🥵🥵🥵 (Oscar and his mouth - oh my!)
⚓️ RomCom
🛳️ Forced Proximity
⚓️ Love Triangle
🛳️ Bisexual validation 🧡
Totally recommend this book if you’re into spicy romcoms!
Maria L, Reviewer
What a fun, spicy, sweet story! This was such a good book to read at the beginning of the summer, to feel good & light & happy! Eliza is a sweetheart who is just trying to start fresh after not meeting some goals she set for herself and being burned by an ex. I don't usually like love triangle stories, but this story was just so fun-- on the cruise ship with the games-- it stayed so sweet & fun (lol how many times can I say "fun" in this review), I loved every minute of it. I also loved that for such a fun (4) story, the characters had depth, the plot was intriguing, & the setting was unique & inspirational. Overall, a great summer read!
Thank you for the ARC!!!
will post review on instagram week of 06/04; immediately posting to goodreads & twitter
Kristin O, Reviewer
Philippa Young's debut novel "More Than Shipmates" is a tension-filled romantic comedy that had me cheering on the main character, Brit Eliza, as she throws herself into a new job, working aboard a cruise ship as part of their entertainment division.
Eliza, a theater nerd and super performer at heart, convinces herself that this opportunity is her only option, after having to quit a series of jobs at home and getting rejected from theater school (multiple times). I enjoyed seeing Eliza's character development throughout the book - initially a closed-off skeptic who's past hurts have caused her to be cautious in both her personal and professional life, Eliza slowly but surely begins to open up and come into herself while working her cruise ship contract thanks in part to new friendships and several romantic interests along the way. Tom, the American boy with as much emotional baggage as Eliza, and Oscar, Eliza's new mentor and fellow Brit, provide a delicious love triangle that had me guessing until the end who she would end up with.
Eliza's path to self-discovery is a rough one, and readers can't help but sympathize as they learn how Eliza ended up as 20-something, riddled with so much self-doubt that it's heartbreaking. But with Tom and Oscar, both vying for her affection, and all of the swoon-worthy declarations of love they make along the way, the choice on who to pick becomes a tough one as Eliza begins to find herself again.
This was a solid rom-com read with multiple tropes including: Love Triangle/Multiple Love Interests; Forced Proximity; Workplace; Cruise Ship. And some nice kinks thrown in for good measure (Eliza's got a praise kink and likes to be choked - who knew!)
Despite being fairly lengthy for a romance read (at almost 500 pages), if you're looking for a light-hearted, feel-good romance read that will have you wanting to sign up as Carnival Cruise's next entertainment crew member, "More Than Shipmates" is just the pick!
[I was given an Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
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